17 Best Side Salads for Summer BBQs, Potlucks, and Parties

Look no further for an awesome side for your next summer get-together.

By
Claudia Cash
Claudia Cash
Claudia Cash
Claudia has been a contributor for Simply Recipes 2017, writing numerous articles focused on cooking on a budget, quick and easy meals, and kid-friendly foods.
Learn about Simply Recipes' Editorial Process
and
Robin Shreeves
Robin Shreeves
Robin Shreeves
Robin Shreeves is a food and beverage writer.
Learn about Simply Recipes' Editorial Process
Updated May 01, 2025
10 Best Side Salads for Summer

Potlucks really are the best, aren’t they? You only have to make one dish and then end up tasting a fantastic variety of other dishes. Minimal effort with maximum rewards!

You know what's fun? Bringing new dishes to potlucks! There’s just something so satisfying about having people come up to you after they’ve enjoyed every last bite of your side dish and ask you for the recipe.

In choosing the recipes for this round-up, we wanted sides that go beyond the traditional and get everyone’s taste buds buzzing. Each one of these sides really is meant for summer potlucks because they’re quick and easy to make.

Not to sound like a broken record, but it’s all about minimal effort in making the sides and maximum rewards with flavor, right? The hardest thing for you will be deciding which one to make!

  • Mom's Easy Macaroni Salad

    Easy Macaroni Salad Recipe in a bowl for serving
    Elise Bauer

    It seems that every potluck/BBQ/picnic needs some sort of macaroni salad... so what exactly sets this apart? The roasted red pepper, of course! It brings in a smokey flavor that's a pleasant surprise.

  • Pasta and Bean Picnic Salad

    Pasta Bean Picnic Salad
    Sheryl Julian

    The name certainly says it all, but what it’s not telling you is that this salad is made without mayo! It has a light vinaigrette so you don’t have to worry about it feeling too heavy.

  • Caprese Corn Salad

    caprese corn salad
    Elise Bauer

    I think we can all agree that we adore a good Caprese salad...so let’s take it to the next level with grilled corn, shall we? It’s an easy way to use up all that garden bounty but in a new way!

  • Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint

    Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint
    Elise Bauer

    Do watermelon and salty cheese really go together? Yes, yes they do – especially when you throw a little mint into the mix. It’s one side salad that people will notice.

    Continue to 5 of 17 below

  • Greek Pasta Salad

    Gluten Free Greek Pasta Salad
    Sabrina Modelle

    This has all the bright and zesty flavors of your favorite Greek salad but is way better suited for potlucks because of the pasta. You can even make this gluten-free by subbing a legume-based pasta.

  • Asian Coleslaw

    Asian Coleslaw dressing
    Elise Bauer

    It technically may not be Asian, but versions of this slaw are a staple of American cookouts and potlucks. Our features a zesty dressing of peanut butter and rice wine vinegar. Serve it with burgers or alongside fish and shrimp.

  • Panzanella Bread Salad

    Panzanella Bread Salad in a glass serving bowl
    Elise Bauer

    First of all, a salad with bread?! Gimme all of it, please! This is a fabulous recipe to keep in your back pocket during the summer months because it uses up all that bounteous garden produce in a fun way.

  • Broccoli Salad

    Broccoli Salad

    Simply Recipes / Lori Rice

    Blanching broccoli florets them vibrant green and crisp-tender. They're the perfect base for this salad with almonds, red onion, bacon, and peas with a mayo-based dressing. It goes particularly well with chicken, steak, or salmon.

    Continue to 9 of 17 below

  • Kale Salad With Balsamic Dressing

    kale salad with balsamic dressing
    Elise Bauer

    Kale doesn't wilt easily so it's great for summer get-togethers. Made with dried cranberries, pine nuts, Parmesan, and a balsamic vinaigrette, the kale becomes more tender while it sits and the dressing softens the tough kale leaves.

  • Three Bean Salad

    3 bean salad recipe
    Elise Bauer

    Packed with protein, this three bean salad is full of canned cannellini, kidney, and garbanzo beans plus red onion and celery. Fresh herbs and a sweet and sour dressing help to meld all the flavors together.

  • Tuna Macaroni Salad

    Tuna macaroni salad in a serving bowl.

    Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek

    Celery and peppers add some crunch to this budget-friendly salad. Use tuna packed in oil or water, but if you add the packed in water variety, add a little olive oil for flavor.

  • Classic Potato Salad

    Side view of homemade potato salad in a white bowl.
    Eliezer Martinez

    Is it even a potluck or a party if there isn't potato salad? This classic version—made with boiled potatoes, sour cream, mayo, green onions, celery, parsley, pickles, and bacon—will please everyone. It's the ultimate accompaniment to a grilled burger.

    Continue to 13 of 17 below

  • Classic Carrot Salad

    Classic Carrot Salad in a bowl with wooden serving spoons.
    Michelle Becker

    Grated carrots, raisins, mayo, and a crunchy apple. That's all you need to make this slightly sweet salad that's a cousin to coleslaw. For extra eye appeal, use a variety of colored carrots.

  • Easy Cucumber Salad

    Fresh & Easy Cucumber Salad

    Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek

    Cucumbers, fresh herbs, and seasoned rice vinegar (plus a little salt and pepper) are all it takes to make this crunchy, healthy salad that's a side for just about anything at the party.

  • Stone Fruit, Tomato and Cucumber Salad

    Stone fruit and vegetable salad in a serving bowl with a linen underneath.
    Alison Bickel

    An explosion of summer fruits and veggies. Peaches, plums, cherry tomatoes, celery, cucumber, cherries, and Serrano pepper (the combination works, trust us), plus a simple vinaigrette.

  • Grilled Corn Salad

    grilled corn salad
    Elise Bauer

    This easy grilled corn salad goes great with burgers or juicy grilled chicken. With red bell pepper, zucchini, red onion, chili pepper, and a cider vinaigrette, it's simple and flavorful. Top with feta or cotija and watch it disappear.

    Continue to 17 of 17 below

  • Caprese Salad

    caprese salad with heirloom tomatoes, mozzarella and basil
    Elise Bauer

    Did we save the best for last? Maybe. Classic, simple, and screaming of summer, heirloom tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil plus a drizzle of good olive oil and balsamic should end up on your seasonal table many, many times before fresh tomatoes disappear in the fall.

Explore More: